THE SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP.
1. What are we instructed to do when we enter the courts of the Lord to worship? "Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength, ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. O worship Jehovah in holy array; tremble before Him, all the earth." Ps. 96:7-9. 2. How did ancient Sabbath offerings compare with those of other days of the week? — They were twice as great. See Num. 28:2-6, 9, 10. 3. Upon what does the acceptableness of the offering depend? — Upon the spirit of sacrifice rather than the amount of the offering, as taught by our Lord in Mark 12:41-44. 4. How did David look upon the matter of an offering for the Lord? "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah my God which cost me nothing." 2 Sam. 24:24. 5. What command does the Lord give concerning those who have this spirit of sacrifice? "Gather my saints together unto Me, those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." Ps. 50:5. 6. What admonition did the Saviour give His followers? "Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which He possesseth." Luke 12:15. 7. What rule does Paul give in the matter of offerings to the Lord's work? "Let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper," etc. 1 Cor. 16:2. They were to give according to their ability. 8. In addition to the matter of tithes, in what other matter have the people been remiss? "Will a man rob God? yet ye rob Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? — In tithes and offerings." Mal. 3:8. 9. Having greater light than the ancients, what is our duty? "To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more." Luke 12:48. 10. Read the instruction given by our Lord to the rich young man, and His teachings concerning the possession of riches. The narrative and the teaching will be found in Luke 18:18-27.